A Tattered, Patched and Mottled Length of Mosquito Netting: Hemp Fiber

late nineteenth, early twentieth century
76 1/4" x 14", 193.5 cm x 35.5 cm

This is a tattered length of loosely woven hemp mesh that has faded to a dull blue-green-blue tone with mottled dye on its bottom half.

This length is a panel taken from a mosquito net--tents of mosquito netting were found hanging around and enclosing beds in all houses all over Japan, not just to protect from the hoards of mosquitos in that humid country's summer but also, in winter, to aid in capturing a bit of ambient warmth as one laid in their futon.

This piece is particularly notable for its marvelous, spare mending which, when backlit, is especially effective. This piece is shown backlit on this post on Instagram, it is the farthest, right-hand piece shown.

The length of bast fiber kaya is exemplary of part of Japan's past: it is an excellent example of mending and of the Japanese credo of mottainai, which is a call not to waste.  

Recommended.